Serra Madre: new cultural hub blending art, science, and ecology in Bologna

Bologna inaugurates Serra Madre, a 650 sqm cultural hub inside the restored Serre dei Giardini Margherita, driven by cooperative Kilowatt. The space, designed by studio Laprimastanza (Davide Agostini, Matteo Battistini, Francesco Ceccarelli), features a transparent, permeable structure and an innovative algae cultivation system by Aquaponic Design that absorbs over 27 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Artistic director Nicoletta Tranquillo emphasizes the need to imagine desirable futures beyond technological fixes. Opening week presents works by Marco Barotti, Salomé Bazin, and Calin Segal from artist residencies. Bazin's 'Destination Earth' (with Robert M. Thomas and Sebastiano Barbieri) turns ocean current rhythms into an interactive 4m-high screen experience. Segal's 'Tales from the Receding Edge' uses a neural network trained on scientific literature to convert data into sound, with sculptures emerging from the ground. Barotti's 'FUNGI. Armonie Simbiotiche' (in collaboration with OGS) models coastal erosion across Italy using wave and sea-level data, allowing public interaction via controllers. A rich program of 60 events runs until September 29, featuring international guests like Tim Ingold, Lazy Farm, and Le Cannibal. Partners include EmilBanca, Boom, Gruppo Hera, Alce Nero, and others.